reagan to try to reach some sort of understanding with the soviets. reagan was not the first person and not the first american president to have a relationship with a soviet leader. and, and, others had tried to establish and open a dialogue with the soviet union and john kennedy was one of those people and, there is some evidence that had he lived, he was moving toward a relationship with crew that might well have produced some -- khrushchev that might have produced major agreements that reduced arms race and slowed the cold war. he came along where there was a partner in moscow where he could work with. that's why i think korb chauf was very significant because there was no one quite like him until he came along. i guess we have time for one more. yes. >> you said that ronald

reagan intended to bankrupt the soviet union in his administration in military spending went up dramatically. the soviets tried to match that, hence ford of the 25% of their gdp. was there a master plan of the reagan administration to bankrupt the soviet union? >> the question was whether the reagan white house had a plan to bankrupt the soviet union. they certainly did have a strategy. they did believe the soviet union and reagan really believed this from the get-go, that the soviet economy was weak and that it was crumbling under pressure. their ability to actually, you know, carry out that strategy, i think, was, is not entirely clear and it is not clear that ultimately anything that the united states could have done, we already had sanctions imposed on em. there was, there were efforts made i think on the margins probably did make a

difference, or at least continued to soak up more of russia's spending but, i don't think that there's anything, any sing thing we could have done that on its own could have bankrupted the soviets. but certainly the pressure that the administration was putting on the soviets in afghanistan made a difference. you know, i think there's some evidence that by urging the opec countries to boost production and lower the price of oil, that really damaged the yet economy. but, as i said, i think economic explanations and the idea that economic collapse is what the brought the soviet union down is not entirely satisfying. many countries can survive for long periods with weak

economies. it requires someone to make a decision to change, and think that is what gorbachev did. that is what unleashed all these events that ultimately ended the cold war. [applause] thank you. >> romesh ratnesar, is the deputy editor at "time" magazine. go to time.com and search his name. while congress is in recess, "booktv" comes to you live in prime time. starting this tuesday join us at 8:00 p.m. eastern

for. >> up next massachusetts politicians and their wives read the letters of john and be a bill gay adams. you hear from the late. former governor michael dukakis and kitty dukakis. from the faneuil hall in

boston. this is about an hour and 15 minutes. >> good evening. i'm dennis fury on mass historical society and on behalf of the society and harvard university press i welcome you. founded in 1791 massachusetts historical society is considered one of the finest resources on history and culture of the united states anywhere. some say to the library of congress. among our 12 million manuscripts the "addams family" papers hold a very, very special place. over 300,000 manuscript pages the pages document our country's history from the 17 '60s through 1889 the record left by the "addams family"

adams family. the contemplate the second home of the society was and in an earlier faneuil hall, two of these walls i believe were part of that hall when it was renovated in 1885 on this sight. we moved there in 1793 into the attic at the time. we collect and the history of our young nation at the same time john and abigail were making their correspondence. we not only celebrate the new publication of john and abigail's letters but mark a 50 year collaboration through the massachusetts historical society and harvard university press. we thank the harvard university press who is our partner in event for inspiring my dearest friend for its financial support of this event and for working closely with us to provide ever increases access to the wealth and material encompassed in the adams papers. before i turn you over to the chair of the historical society i like to introduce

two individuals responsible for editing my dearest friends. i like them to stand. jim taylor, editor-in-chief of the adams papers. already standing. [applause] and maggie hogan the managing editor of the adams papers. they're also responsible for tonight's script. now, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce, amalie kass. chairman of the board of trustees of the massachusetts historical society. [applause] >> thank you, dennis and welcome, and hello to everyone. as i've been thinking about abigail and john adams today,

i've been wondering how they would feel about having their private letters read aloud by people they never knew and in a public setting? [laughter] i'm certain they would approve of the venue. it was hear of course that bostonians gathered in the years before the revolution to condemn the british and to listen to speeches urging independence. but what about the people who will read their letters? i'm sure john would have been very pleased by the distinguished men who will be taking his part this evening. i know he is scowling there. [laughter] but he doesn't mean it. and by the end of the evening he will smile. each of these men has devoted his professional

life to public service, as john adams did. he might have envied senator kennedy's reelection record, but he definitely would have admired the senator's consistent willingness to speak out on difficult issues and to challenge the opposition, something did in spades. [applause] that's something john did plenty any. adams would have been astonished by governor patrick's remarkable grassroots political campaign that brought him to the corner-offs of the statehouse just about time last year. [applause]

they didn't hold elections like that when he was running for office. on the other hand, i think john would be quite content to have deval govern under the constitution written by john adams and adopted by the commonwealth in 1780. and i know he would have admired governor due kiss, not only for political and administrative skills. but have massachusetts delivered from the worst ever financial crises but also maybe more but for his decision upon retiring from politics to enter academia. to teach young men and women the importance of government and politics. this was one of the cardinal endeavors that john adams held very dear. [applause]

as for the ladies, vicki kennedy, diane patrick and kitty dukakis, would be a gail like to have their letters read by them? of course she would. they are the personification of her fer desire that women should take part in public life. each has had a splendid career, lawyer, fund-raising and authors. each has taken a powerful role speaking out for the causes she believes in, especially, for prevention of handgun violence. that's vicki. [applause]

the issue is swirling around domestic violence. diane. [applause] and a multiple needs in the area of mental health. [applause] and i suspect for abigail, each is a strong advocate on behalf of her husband's career as abigail most definitely was too. so, i think all is well. and i'm happy to turn over the to our moderator, mary richardson. now john and abigail never tuned into the evening news on channel 5 but had they done so, i'm sure they would have applauded such an intelligent and eloquent

commentator, and enlightening the public about the day's events. mary? [applause] >> john adams, a 24-year-old lawyer in quincy, probably met the teenager abigail smith for the first time in the summer of 1759. he was unimpressed. not fond, not frank, not candid was the overall assessment in his diary. what changed between them and when we don't really know but by the time of their first letter, something certainly had. >> braintree, october 4th, 1762. missed a adorable.

by hear the bearer here of sat up with you last night i hereby order you to give him as kisses and as many hours of your after 9:00 as she shall please to demand and charge them to my account. i plume i have -- presume i have good right to draw on you for the kisses i have given two or three million at least and one received. as consequence the account between us is immensely in favor of yours. >> thus begins the correspondence of a remarkable american couple that spans some 40 years and over 1100 surviving letters. no doubt more were written but we can only guess how many were captured by the british, sunk in shipwrecks or even simply lost by late generations. what remains tells the story of a revolution, a new nation, a new government, of the sears of war and burden

of leadership. the it is story of a marriage, two portfolio manager people, sole mates, who endure years of separation and trial but never forsake their love or commitment to one another. they married in october 1764 and over the next eight years had five children together. nabby, john quince sir, the future, 6th president of the, suzanne that, charles and thomas boilston. suzanne that died in insy. having become a steady family man john built a successful legal career and developed a reputation as a political leader. john's appointment to the first continental congress in 1774 moved him onto the national stage a position he reled even as he found the work burdensome. abigail too took pride in john's accomplishments but lamented the length think separation. >> braintree, august 19, 1774. the great distance between

us makes the time appear very long to me. it seems already a month since you left me. the great anxiety i feel for my country, for you, and for our cam family renders the day tedious and the night unpleasant. the rocks and quicksands appear on every side. what course you can or will take is all wrapped in the boos some of -- bosom of. uncertainty and expectation leave the mind great scope. did ever any kingdom or state regain their liberty and once it was invaded without bloodshed? i can not think of it without horror. i want much to hear from you. i long impatiently to have you on the stage of action. the first of september or

the month of september perhaps, may be of as much importance to great britain as the ides of march were to caesar. i wish you every public as well as private blessing, and that wisdom which is profitable both for instruction and edification to conduct you in this difficult day. the little flock remember papa and kindly wish to see him. >> philadelphia, october, 9th, 1774. my dear, i am weary to death with the life i lead. the business of the congress is tedious beyond expression. [laughter]

this assembly like no other that ever existed. every man in it is a great man. an orator, a critic, a statesman, therefore every man upon every question must show his atory, his criticism and his political abilities. but the consequence of this is that business is drawn and spun out to an immeasurable length. i believe, if the it was moved and seconded, we should come to a resolution that three and two make five, we should be entertained with logic and rhetoric, law, history, politics and mat mat concerning the subject for two whole days. and then, we should pass the resolution unanimously in the affirm tiff. >> by june 1775 john was

sitting with the second continental congress and the war had become an immediate presence in abigail's life. she watched the battle of bunker hill with her son john quincy. while the british were technically victorious they suffered large numbers of casualties trying to secure their position, far more than the meant tall army though the adams close friend, dr. joseph warren was one of the americans who perished. >> philadelphia, june 17th, 1775. i have found this congress like the last. when we first came together, i found a strong jealously of us from new england and massachusetts in particular. suspicions were entertained and designs of endcy, an american republic, presbyterian principles and 20 other things. our sentiments were heard in congress with great caution and seemed to but little

impression. but the longerwer sat, the more clearly they saw the necessity of pursuing vigorous measures. it has been so now. every day we sit the more we are convinced that the designs against us are hostile and sanguine airy. and nothing but for the -- fortitude, vigor, and perseverance can save us. it is long since i heard from you. i fear you have been kept in continual alarms. my duty and love to all, my dear nabby, johnny, charlie and tommy. come here, and kiss me. >> braintree, june 18th, 1775. dearest friend, the day, perhaps the decisive day has come on which the fate of america depends. my bursting heart must find

vent at my pen. i have just heard that our dear friend, dr. warren, is no more but fell gloriously fighting for his country. saying better to die honorably in the field than ignomiously hang upon the gallows. great is our loss. he distinguished himself in every engagement by his courage and fortitude. by animating the soldiers and leading them on by his own example. a particular account of these dreadful but i hope glorious days will be transmitted to now doubt in the exactest manner. the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong but the god of is he that giveth strength and power unto his people.

charlestown is laid in ashs. the battle began upon our entrench muchments upon bunkers hill, a saturday morning about 3:00 and has not yet ceased and it is now 3:00 sabbath afternoon. it is expected they will come out over the neck tonight and a dreadful battle must ensue. almighty god, cover the heads of our trimen and be a shield to our dear friends. how many have fallen we know not. the constant roar of the cannon is so distressing that we can not eat, drink, or sleep. may we be supported and sustained in the dreadful conflict. i shall tary until it is safe, thought unsafe by my friends and then i have secured myself a retreat at

your brothers have kindly offered me part of his house. i can not come pose myself to right any further at present. i will add more as i hear further. >> philadelphia, july 7th, 1775. my dear, the account you give me the numbers slain on the side of our enemies is affecting to humanity although it is a glorious proof of the bravery of our worthy countrymen. considering all the disadvantages under which they fought, they really exhibited prodigies of valor. your description of the distresses of worthy inhabitants of boston and seaport towns is enough to melt a heart of stone. our consolation must be this, my dear. that cities may be rebuilt, and a people reduced to poverty may acquire fresh property, but a constitution of government once changed from freedom, can never be

restored. liberty once lost, is lost forever. when the people once surrender their share in the legislature and their right of defending limitations upon the government, and of resisting every encroachment upon them, they can never regain it. it gives me more pleasure than can express to learn that you sustained with so much fortitude shocks of terrors of the times. you are really brave my dear. you are a heroine and you have reason to be, for the worst that can happen than do now harm. a soul as pure as benevolent, as virtuous and pous as yours has nothing to fear. everything to hope and expect from the last of human evils. >> the war continued in new england throughout the fall of 1775 as john and abigail pressed for a full

declaration of independence. but the march 1776 evacuation of the british army from boston and its movement southward, raised the question how the rest of the american colonies would respond to the military threat. also, the prospect of a new national government sparked a debate between abigail and john on women's rights. >> braintree, march 31st, 1776. i wish you would ever write me a letter half as long as i write you. [laughter] and tell me, if may, where your fleet are gone? what sort of defense virginia can make against our common enemy, whether it so situated as to make an able defense. are not the gentry lords and common people have. assels? are they not like uncivilized natives britain represents us to be? i hope their riflemen who shown themself very savage

and bloodthirsty are not a specimen of the generality of the people. i have sometimes been ready to think that the passion for liberty can not be equally strong in the breath of those who have been accustomed to deprive their fellow creatures of theirs. of this i am certain, it is not founded upon that generous and christian principle of doing unto others as we would as others do unto us. i feel very differently at the approach of spring to what i did a month ago. we knew not then whether we should plant or sow with safety. whether we had toiled we would reap the fruits of our own industry. whether we could rest in our own cottages or whether we should not be driven from the seacoast to seek shelter in the der necessary. now we feel if we might sit under our own vine and eat the good of the land. so we fell list tate ourselves, we sympathize with those who are trembling,

lest the lot of boston should be theirs. i long to hear you have declared an indepencesy. and by the way, in the new code of laws i suppose it will be necessary for you to make, i desire you to remember the ladies. [laughter] [applause] and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. do not put such uned power into the hands of the husbands. [laughter] remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. [laughter] if particular attention, if particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a he rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws which we have no voice or

representation. that your sex is naturally tyrannical is a truth so thoroughly established as to admit of no dispute [laughing] after but such as wish to be happy, willingly to give up the harsh title of master for more tender and endearing one of friend. why then not put it out of the power of the vicious and the lawless to us with cruelty and indignity with impunity. men of sense in all ages abhor these customs which treat us only as vast sals of your sex. regard us then as beings placed by providence under your protection, imitation of the supreme being, make use of that power only for our happiness. >> philadelphia, april 14, 1776. [laughter]

you justly complain, sorry. you justly complain of my short letters but the critical state of things and the multity of avocations must plead my excuse. you ask where the is. the enclosed papers will inform you. you ask what sort of defense virginia can make? i believe they will make an able defense. their militia and minutemen have sometime employed in training themselves and they have nine battalions of regulars as they call them, maintained among them under good officers at the continental expense. the gentry are very rich and common people very poor. this inequality of property gives an aristocratic turn to all their proceedings and occasions strong aversion in their patricians to common sense. but the spirit of these barons is coming down and,

it must submit. as to deck las of indepencesy, be patient. as to your extraordinary code of laws i can not but laugh. we have been told our struggle has loosened the bands of government everywhere. that children and apprentices were disobedient. that schools and colleges were grown turbulent. that indians slighted their guardians and negroes you grew inlent to their masters. but your letter was first inat thismation another tribe, more numerous and powerful than all the rest were grown discontented. this is rather too cues a compliment coarse a compliment but you are so saucy i won't blot it out. [laughter] [applause] . .

>> abigail dropped the subject of women's rights for the time being. and both she and john celebrate with a declaration of independence was finally proclaimed in july. abigail received the news in boston, where she had gone with all of her children to be inoculated for smallpox.

>> philadelphia, july 3, 1776. yesterday the greatest question was decided, which ever was debated in america. and a greater perhaps never was, or will be decided upon men. a resolution was passed without one dissenting colony. that these united colonies are of right ought to be free and independent states, and as such, they have and a right to have full power, to make war, conclude peace, established commerce, and to do all other acts and things which other states they rightfully do. you will see in a few days a declaration setting forth the

courses which have impelled us to this mighty revolution, and the reasons which would just, in the sight of god and man. a plan of confederation will be taken up in a few days. when i look back, to the year 1761, which i have hitherto considered as the commencement of the controversy, i am surprised at the sudden is, as well as greatness of this revolution. britain has been filled with folly, and america with wisdom. at least this is my judgment. time must determine. it may be the will of heaven that america shall suffer, calamities still more wasting and distresses yet more dreadful. if this is to be the case, it will have this good effect at least. it will inspire us with many

virtues which we have not. and correct many errors, follies and vices, which threaten to disturb, dishonor and destroy us. but i must submit all my hopes and fears to an overruling providence in which, unfashionable as the faith may be, i firmly believe. >> boston, july 13, 1776. by yesterdays post i received two letters dated the third and fourth of july. and though your letters never fail to give me pleasure, be the subject what it will, yet it was greatly heightened by the prospect of the future happiness and glory of our country. nor am i a little gratified when i reflect that a person so nearly connected with me had had

the honor of being a principal actor in laying a foundation for its future greatness. may the foundation of our new constitution be justice, truth and righteousness. like the wise man's house, may it be founded upon those rocks and then neither storms will overthrow it. boston, july 21, 1776. last thursday, after hearing a very good sermon, i went with the multitude into kings street to hear the proclamations for independence read and proclaimed. the truth appeared under arms and all these habitants were a symbol there. when colonel krause read from the balcony of the state house the proclamation, great attention was given to every word. as soon as he ended the cry from the balcony, god save our

american states, and then three cheers which rendered the air. the bells rang. the privateers fired the forts and batteries. they can and were discharged. the platoons followed and every face appeared joyful. mr. bowdoin then gave a sentiment, stability and perpetuity to american independence. after dinner the kings arms were taken down from the statehouse and every vestige of them from every place in which it appeared and burnt in king street. the us and royal authority in the state, and all the people shall say amen. [applause] >> john return home briefly in the fall of 1776, but quickly returned to the continental congress. his absence in the spring and

summer of 1777 was a particularly difficult because abigail was pregnant again with their sixth child. >> philadelphia, march 16, 1777. the spring advances very rapidly, and all nature will soon be closed in their gayest robes. the green grass, which begins to show itself here and there, revised and my long imagination. my little farm and it's the inhabitants. what pleasures has not this via war deprived me of? i want to wander in my meadows, to ramble over my mountains, and to sit in solitude, or with her who has all my heart, by the side of the brooks. these beautiful seeds would contribute more to my happiness than the sublime ones which is around the.

>> braintree, april 17, 1777. your favors of march 14, 16th and 20 seconds have been received. and i most sincerely thank you for them. i know not how i should support an absence already tedious, and many times attended with melancholy reflections, if it was not for so frequently hearing from you. that is a consolation to me, though a cold comfort in a winter's night. as the summer advances i have many anxieties, some of which i should not feel or should find them greatly alleviated if you could be with me. but as that is a satisfaction i know i must not look for, though i have a good mind to hold you to your promise said some particular circumstances were really up on that condition. i must summon all the philosophy i am mistress of sense what cannot be helped must be

endured. i have enjoyed as much help since the smallpox i've known in many year. call and a clumsy figures make their appearance in so much that master john said, i never saw anybody grow so fat as you do. [laughter] >> philadelphia, may 15, 1777. gender war and writes me that my farm never looked better than when he last saw it. and that mrs. adams was like to outshine all the farmers. i wish i could see it. he knows the weakness of his friends heart, and that nothing flatters it more than praises bestowed upon a certain lady. in the midst of infinite noise hurting and also, i lead a lonely melancholy life. mourning the loss of all the charms of life, which are my

family, and all the amusement that i ever had in life, which is my farm. however, i will neither wind nor grow. the moment our affairs are in a prosperous way and a little more out of doubt, that moment i become a private gentleman, the respectful husband of the amiable mrs. a of a braintree, and the affectionate father of her children. >> braintree, july 9, 1777. i sit down to write you this post and from my present feelings i shall be able to write for some time if i should do well. i have been very unwell for this past week with some complaints that have been new to me, though i hope not dangerous. i was last night taken with a shaking fit, and am very

apprehensive that a life was lost. as i have no reason today to think otherwise. what may be the consequences to me, heaven only knows. i would not have you too much alarmed. i keep up some spirit yet, though i would have you prepared for anything that may happen. >> philadelphia, july 10, 1777. my mind is again anxious. my heart in pain for my dearest friend. oh, that i could be near to say a few kind words, or show a few kind of looks or do a few kind actions. oh, that i could take from my dearest a share of her distress or relieve her of the whole. before this shall reach you, i hope you will be happy in the embraces of a daughter, as fair and good and and virtuous as the

mother. or if it is a son, i hope it will still resemble the mother in person, mind and heart. >> braintree, july 16, 1777. join with me, my dearest friend, and gratitude to heaven that a life i know you value has been spared and carried through distress and danger. although the deer and the is numbered with its ancestors. my apprehensions with regard to it were well founded. though my friend with the same persuaded me that the papers had taken hold of me, i was as perfectly sensible of its disease as i ever before was of its existence. it appeared to be a very fine baby, and as it never opened its eyes in this world, it looked as though they were only close a

sleet. my heart was much set upon a daughter. i have had a strong persuasion that my desire would be granted me. it was. but to show me the uncertainty of all subliterate enjoyments cut off. air, i could called mine. jaunt left the continental congress in november, 1777 return to massachusetts and his law practice. but congress had other plans for him. diplomatic appointments, first to negotiate a treaty with france, then one with the netherlands, finally to draw up the peace with britain. all told, john would spend 10 years in europe with only a few short months at home and 1779. 11 year old john quincy adams a company his father, gaining experience on an education that would serve him well in later years when he, too, would be called to be an american diplomat in europe.

if abigail had previously considered philadelphia far away, the distance to europe was almost unimaginable. the situation was maybe more difficult by the unreliability of overseas mail, letters were frequently lost, thrown overboard by captains evading capture by the british, or some and shipwrecks. both the distance and duration of this separation, not surprisingly, put a strain on the adams marriage. >> braintree, november 12, 1778. i have taken up my pen again to relieve the anxiety of a heart too susceptible for its own repose. nor can i help complaining to my dearest friend that his painful absence is not is formally alleviated by the tender tokens of his friendship. three very short letters only have reached my hands during

nine months absence. i cannot be so unjust to his affection as to suppose that he has not written much more often and more particularly, but must set down to the scorn of misfortune that so few have reached me. i cannot charge myself with any deficiency in this particular, as i have never let an opportunity slip without writing to you since we parted. those you have no mention of having received a line from me. if they are become of so little importance as not to be worth noticing with your own hand, be so kind as to direct your secretary. i will not finish the sentence. my heart denies the justice of

the acquisition, nor does he believe your affection in the least diminished by distance or absence, but my soul is wounded at a separation from you and my fortitude, all dissolved in frailty and weakness. when i cast my thoughts across the atlantic and you the distance, the dangers and hazards, which you have already passed through and to which you must probably be again exposed, air we shall meet, the time of your absence unlimited, all conspired to cast a plume over my solitary hours and read me of all the classic facility. >> france, december 18, 1778. this moment i had, what shall i say? the pleasure or the pain of your letter of the 25th of october. it was a letter from my dearest

friend that gave me a pleasure that would be in pain and attempt to describe. but the complaints in it gave me more pain than i can express. this is the third letter i have received in this complaining style. [laughter] >> the former two i have not answered. [laughter] >> i have endeavored to answer, i have written several answers. but upon a review they appear to be such i could not send. one was angry, another was full of grief, and the third was melancholy, so that i burned them all. if you write me in this style i shall leave off writing entirely. it kills me. in professions of esteem be wanting for me to you? can protestation of affection be necessary? can tokens of remembrance be desired? the very idea of this sickens

me. am i not rigid enough in this banishment without this. what course shall i take to convince you that my heart is warm? you doubt, it seems, shall i declare it? shall i swear to it? would you doubted the less? and is it possible you should doubt it? i know it is not. if i could once believe it possible, i cannot answer for the consequences, but i beg you would never more right to me in such extreme. for it really makes me unhappy. >> braintree, february 13, 1779. my dearest friend. it is with double pleasure that i hold my pen this day to acquaint my friend that i have had a rich feast, indeed, by the privateer who arrived here on the eighth of this month and

brought his letters of the ninth of september, 23rd of october, second of november, and second of december, altogether making more than i have received since your absence at one time. the handkerchiefs in which they were tied help to me like the return of an absent friend. it is natural to feel an affection for everything which belongs to those we love, and most so when the object is far, far distant from us. you chide me for my complaint, when in reality, i had so little occasion for them. i must entreat you to attribute it to the real cause, and overanxious solitude to hear of your welfare, and then ill grounded fear least multiplicity of public cares, and avocations might render you less attentive

to your pan that i would wish. but very my dear sir, in oblivion every expression of complaint. erase them from the letters which contained them, as i have from my mind every idea so contrary to that regard and affection you have ever manifested towards me. >> during his years abroad, john achieved great diplomatic success, are in recognition of the united states by the netherlands, securing a much-needed loan for the dutch to keep the american government financially solvent, and negotiating a peace treaty with britain. wants peace was achieved, he submitted his resignation to congress and contemplated returning home, but then held off hoping that he might be appointed minister to great britain. abigail, tired of waiting after nearly six years apart, finally

result in the spring of 1784 to join john in europe that she and her daughter, nabby, reached london in july. >> london, july 23, 1784. my dearest friend, at length heaven be praised i am with our daughter safely landed upon the british sure after our passage of 30 days from boston to the downs. how often do not reflect during my voyage upon what i once heard you say, that no object in nature was more disagreeable than a lady at sea. [laughter] >> it really reconciled me to the thought of being without you, for heaven be my witness, in no situation would i be willing to appear this to you. i will add in observation of my own that i think no inducement less and that of coming to the tenderest of friends could ever prevail with me to cross the

ocean, nor do i ever wish to try it but once more. i was otherwise very sick. besides seasickness, but you must not expect to see me sign, for nothing less than death will carry away my flesh. though i do not think i ate more the whole passage that would have sufficed for one week. my first sip tea has gone off and every hour i am impatient to be with you. >> the hague, july 26, 1784. my dearest friend. your letter of the 23rd has made me the happiest man upon earth. i am 20 years younger than i was yesterday. it is a cruel mortification to me that i cannot go to meet you in london. meantime, i send you a son who is the greatest traveler of his age, and without partiality, i think as promising and manly a

youth as is in the world. every hour to meet will be a day, but don't hurry or fatigue or disquiet yourself upon the journey. be careful of your health. after spending a week or two here, you have to say that with me to friends, that there are no seas between, a good road a fine season, and we will make moderate journeys and see the curiosity of several cities and our way. it is the first time in europe that i look forward to a journey with pleasure. >> john and abigail spent the next four years together, first in france, then in london while john served as minister to britain. the exchange of a handful of lives during those years and were never apart for more than a few weeks. abigail greatly enjoyed your, reveling in the opportunity to travel and see the sights, but john found his position difficult at best it while king george the third read him more cordially than john had ever

expected, the british had little interest in diplomatic relations with their former colony. by early 1787, john had recognized that futility of his mission and submitted his resignation to congress, though it would take another full year for john and abigail to make arrangements to come home. the adams returned to massachusetts in june 1788. within the year of their life changed again when john was elected the first vice president under the new constitution. he served eight years in what he called the most insignificant office. [laughter] >> during those years and later during the presidency, abigail frequently return to quincy to oversee the farm and preserve her health. she preferred village life in massachusetts to that in any of the three capital cities. first new york, then philadelphia, then washington, d.c.. more than 500 of john and abigail's letters survived from this period of their lives.

>> new york, may 14, 1789. my dearest friend. i have received yours on the fifth. you think it best to leave thomas at college, but i pray you come on to charles as soon as possible. as to money to pay your expenses, you must if you can borrow enough to bring you here. if you cannot borrow enough you must fill horses, oxen, sheep, cow, any rate rather than not come on. not if no one will take the place, leave it to the birds of the air and the beast of the field. but at all events, break up the establishment and that household. we have many difficulties here as you can have in public and private. but my life from my credit has been a series of difficulties. and that series will continue to the grave. >> braintree, may 31, 1789. my dearest friend, i hope to be

able to relieve you soon of all domestic cares and anxieties. at least my best endeavors shall not be wanting. i know you want your own bed and pillows, your hot coffee, and your full portion where habit has become natural. how many of these little matters make up a large portion of our happiness and contentment, and the more of public cares and perplexities that you are surrounded with, the more necessary these alleviation's. our blessings are sometimes enhanced to us by the feeling, the want of them. >> even from quincy, abigail intently followed national and international events in the press, such as the war between britain and france in which the united states threatened to become embroiled. counting on john's letters to

serve as our most reliable news source, she in turn became his trusted advisor and only confidante. as their children reach adulthood, john and abigail faced new challenges and worries as parents. nabby merida pompous and unsuccessful william stephens smith. charles succumbed to a call as him and died during his father's presidency. thomas boylston, the youngest, eke out a marginal legal career. only john quincy moved on. by 7094 hit game to reputation like his father in law and politics. prompting president washington to appointed u.s. minister to the netherlands. the first in a long series of diplomatic missions that would culminate in him serving as the most noted secretary of state in american history. >> quincy, april 18, 1794. my dearest friend. your letter of april 5 and 7th

reached me last evening. and they fill me with more apprehensions of a war than anything i have before her. the body of the people are decidedly against war. and if a warrant is magic gore foolishly precipitated upon us, without the union of the people, we shall need a fine man or money to prosecute it. and the government will be cursed and abused for all the consequences which must follow. i have many disputes with your brother up on this subject, whose passions are up, upon the insults and abuses offered us by britain, and who is for fighting them instantly without seeing one difficulty in our way. in order to put a stop to to ration measures, congress must rise, the people without are willing to wait the result of negotiations as far as i can learn, and in the meantime, we ought to prepare for the worst.

i most devoutly pray that we may be preserved from the horrors of war, and the machinations of man. i wish it were in our power to persuade all the nations into a calm and steady disposition of mind, while seeking particularly the quiet of our own country. and wishing for a total end of all the unhappy divisions of mankind by party split. which at best is that the madness of many for the gain of the few. >> philadelphia, may 19, 1794. my dearest friend. the projects for more have been detected. and exposed in every shape and under every disguise that has been given them. and hitherto, defeated. but another you may bring forth,

i know not. mr. john, i hear, rises in his reputation at the bar as well as in the esteem of his fellow citizens. his writings have given him a greater consideration in this place than he is aware of. i am sometimes told that i ought to be proud of him. and truly, i don't want to be told this. he will be made a politician too soon. but he is a man of great experience, and i hope sound philosophy. he was a greater statesman at 18 and some senators i have known at 50. [laughter] >> but he must learn silence and reserve, prudence, caution. above all, to curb his vanity and collect himself. faculties are virtues that his father has often must doubt it. . .

that of some importance it must be kept a secret wholly to yourself. one of the ministry told me today that the president was solemnly and determined to serve no longer than the end of his present period. he mentioned such second quarters of solemn aser is vision left him know

room to doubt. mrs. washington said one thing to me lately which seemed to imply as much. others men of the first i find consider the event as certain. you know the consequence of this to me and to yourself. either we must enter ardor more trying than any ever yet experienced or retire to quincy, farmers for life. i am at least as determined not to serve under jefferson as washington is not to serve at all. [laughter] i will not be frightened out of the public service, nor will i be disgraced in it. >> quincy, january 21st, 1796. my dearest friend. some communications in your letters are a source of much anxiety to me. my ambition leads me not to be first in rome and the event you request me

contemplate is of so serious a nature that requires much reflection and deliberation to determine upon it. there is not a beam of light nor a shadow of comfort or pleasure in the contemplation of the object. if personal considerations alone were to weigh i should immediately say retire with the principle. i can only say that circumstances must govern you. in a matter of such momentous concern i dare not influence you. i must pray that you may have superior direction. as to holding the office of vice president, there i will give you my opinion, resign. [laughter] retire. i would be second under no man but washington. >> quincy, february 20th, 1796. my dearest friend, upon some subjects think much more than i write. i think what is duty to

others and what is duty to ourselves. you write me, fully assured that the president is unalterably determined to retire. this is an event not yet contemplated by the people at large. we must be attentive to their feelings and to their voice. no successor can expect such support as the president has had. this, though hard and arduous task would be a flattering and glorious reward and such a reward as all good men will unite in giving to washington and such a reward as i pray his successor may merit and obtain should providence allot the task to my friend. but think not that i am alone anxious for the part he will be called to, though by far most important. i am anxious for the proper discharge of that chair which will devolve upon me. whether i have patience, prudence, discretion,

sufficient to fill a station so unexceptionally as the worthy lady who now holds it, i fear i have not. as second, i have had the happiness of steering clear of sense sense sore as farce as i know, i should say that i have been so used to a freedom of sentiment that i know not how to place so many guards about me as will be indispensable to look at every word before i utter it, and to impose a silence upon myself when i long to talk. >> abigail remained in quincy and congratulated john by letter on gaining the presidency on the day the electoral was counted. she also did not attend the inauguration on march 4th, though john of course revealed his innermost anxieties to her. >> quincy, february 8th,

1797. my thoughts and my meditations are with you though personally absent and my petition to heaven are the things which make for peace may not be hidden from your eyes. my feelings are not those of pride, or ostentatious upon the occasion, but the solemnized by a sense of the obligation. the important trusts and numerous duties connected with it. that you may be enabled discharge them with honor to yourself, with justice and impartiality to your country and with satisfaction to great people shall be thely prayer of your abigail adams. >> philadelphia, march 5, 1797. my dearest friend. your dearest friend never had a more trying day than yesterday.

a solemn scene it was indeed and made more affecting to me by the presence of general washington whose countenance was as serene and unclouded as the day. [laughter] he seemed to me to enjoy a triumph over me. me thought i heard him think, i am fairly out and you are fairly in. [laughter] see which of us will be happiest. when the ceremony was over he came and made me a visit and cordial congratulated me and wished my administration might be happy and successful and honorable. i had not slept well the night before and did not sleep well the night after. i was unwell and i did not know whether i should get through or not. i did, however. the how the business was received, i know not. only i have been told that mason, the treaty publisher said we should lose nothing by the change for he never

heard such a speech in public in his life. all agree that taken all together, it was the sublimest thing ever exhibited in america. >> from time to time john became maudlin and ruminated whether his family had suffered too much from his lack of attention during the quarter century he contributed to the creation of the nation. abigail pushed him to go forward without regret. >> philadelphia, december 17th, 1798. my dearest friend, i begin to doubt whether i was in the way of my duty in ever engaging in public life. with my family of children, are i not to have stayed at home,-minded their education and south their advancement in life? it is too late for this chemistry now. the die is cast and i'm not far from the end of my life. i have done all for my

children that i could and meant all for the best. what have i not suffered? what have i ever enjoyed? all my enjoyments have been upon my farm. oh that my children and grandchildren were all farmers. >> quincy, december 28th, 1798. my dearest friend, the reflexes and observations respecting our children calls up so many painful ideas, that i can not be otherwise then unhappy when i reflect upon them. in silence i do reflect upon them daily. i wish it was otherwise with them. with respect to what is past, all was intended for the best, and you have the satisfaction of knowing that you have faithfully served your generation. that you have done it at the expense of all private considerations, and you do

not know whether you would have been happier, a happier man in private than you have been in public life. the times were such as called you for the. you considered yourself as performing your duty. with these inconsiderations i think you have not any cause for regret. what remains to us of life we must expect to have checkered with good and evil and let us patiently endure the one and rejoice in the other, as becomes those who have a better hope and brighter prospects beyond the grave. >> john and abigail spent the final years of john's presidency largely together though john was alone for his first night newly built white house in washington, d.c. his blessing on that house, written to abigail, now graces the fireplace in

the state dining room. well before congress had tallied he can tomorrow count in february 1801 knew he had lost his bid for reelection. resigned to the end of his long public service, he prepared to clean up his final obligations including fulling russ judicial vacancies. abigail left washington in mid-february. john waited until the morning of thomas jefferson's inauguration on march 4th. their final letters to one another were written during abigail's trip north. to the last she monitored his political decisions. >> president's house, washington, d.c., november 2nd, 1800. my dearest friend, we arrived here last night or rather yesterday at 1:00 and here we dined and slept. the building is in a state to be habitable and now we wish for your company. i shall say nothing of

public affairs. i am very glad you consented to come on. it is fit and proper that you and i should retire together and not one before the other. before i end my letter, i pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house, and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. may none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof. washington, february 16th, 1801. my dearest friend, the election will be decided this day in favor of mr. jefferson as it is given out by good authority. the burden me in nominating judges counsels and other offices in delivering over furniture, in the ordinary business at the close of a session and in preparing for my journey of 500 miles

through the mire is and will be very heavy. my time will be taken up, i pray you continue to write me. my anxiety for you is a very distressing addition to all my other labors. >> philadelphia, february 21st, 1801. my dear sir, i shall leave this city tomorrow. i believe there is scarcely a lady whoever came to the drawing room but has visited me, either old or young and very many gentlemen. as to a return of their visits, they can not expect it. i believe they have made a point of it. who published arrival in the papers i know not but the next morning by 10:00, rainy as it was they began to come and have continued it by the throngs ever since. i thing them for their

attention and politeness though i shall never see them again. aduer, my dear friend. i wish you well through the remainder of your political journey. i want to see the list of the judges. [laughter] [applause] in. >> in the years that followed john's election defeat and john and abigail's return to quincy the dams continued to be active intellectually and socially. they exchanged no additional hears letters. there was no need to as they were rarely separated for a few days. their retiring years were not always easy. they had no income beyond what their farms produced and lost most their savings from a bank failure in 1803. fortunately john quincy had resources to help them maintain financial security. but that could not protect them from personal tragedy. their